Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will receive the highest civilian award in the US - the Presidential Medal of Freedom - next week. In his last week in office, President Bush will award the medal to Mr Blair, former Australian PM John Howard and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.

 

All three leaders had been "staunch allies" of the US, particularly against terrorism, said the White House. The ceremony will take place at the White House on 13 January.

 

Mr Blair, who stepped down as UK prime minister in 2007, is now Middle East peace envoy for the Quartet - Russia, the US, the EU and UN. He was one of President Bush's closest international allies, particularly after the September 11 2001 attacks on the US and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

 

Mr Howard was also a staunch ally and Australia was one of the first countries to commit troops to the war in Iraq. President Uribe is Washington's chief ally in Latin America and has been praised by President Bush for his support in the war against drugs.

 

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said that these leaders are to be honoured for their work to improve the lives of their citizens and for their efforts to promote democracy, human rights and peace abroad.